Fall 2018 Mandatory CWD Sampling

Hunters who harvest deer in certain CWD Management Zone counties on November 10 and 11 must present their deer, or the head with at least six inches of the neck in place, to an MDC CWD sampling location on the day of harvest. The testing is free and hunters can also get free results.

Hunters may bring the entire carcass or just the head with six inches of neck attached.

Hunters may go to any MDC sampling station.

Special Regulations for the CWD Management Zone

Prohibition on feeding

Grain, salt products, minerals and other consumable products used to attract deer are prohibited year-round within CWD Management Zone. The following exceptions are allowed:

Feed placed within 100 feet of any residence or occupied building

Feed placed in a manner that excludes access by deer

Feed and minerals used solely for normal agricultural, forest management, or wildlife food plot production practices

Attracting deer using grain, salt, or minerals artificially concentrates deer in a small area, increasing the chance of spreading CWD from one deer to another or from the environment to deer.

Removal of the antler-point restriction and increase in available antlerless permits

Antler-point restrictions have been removed and hunters can purchase two antlerless permits in all CWD Management Zone counties for the 2018 season.

Antler-point restrictions protect young males, who are at a greater risk of spreading CWD as they establish new home ranges. Harvesting more antlered deer may help slow the spread of CWD. Because CWD can be transmitted from deer to deer, limiting local population increases in the CWD Management Zone may help slow the spread of the disease.

What Else Can Hunters do to slow the Spread of CWD?

Don’t Move Deer Carcasses

Deer hunters are encouraged to avoid moving whole deer carcasses outside of the CWD Management Zone. Decrease the risk of spreading CWD by moving only these deer parts:

Meat that is cut and wrapped

Meat that has been boned out

Quarters or other portions of meat with no part of the spine or head attached

Hides or capes from which all excess tissue has been removed

Antlers, including antlers attached to skull plates or skulls cleaned of all muscle and brain tissue

Finished taxidermy products

Report Sick Deer

If you see a sick deer, please call your local conservation agent or your regional Conservation Department office.